Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Proclamation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Columbia Heights issues proclamations for Sister City Day, Juneteenth and Park and Recreation Month
Summary
Mayor Márquez Simula proclaimed July 1 as Sister City Day, June 19 as Juneteenth Freedom Day, and July 2026 as Park and Recreation Month; resident Christen Craig accepted the Juneteenth proclamation and reflected on its meaning.
At its June 22 meeting, the Columbia Heights City Council issued three proclamations recognizing Sister City Day, Juneteenth Freedom Day and Park and Recreation Month. Mayor Amáda Márquez Simula proclaimed July 1, 2026, as Sister City Day to mark ties with Galdogob, Somalia. The Council also proclaimed June 19, 2026, as Juneteenth Freedom Day; Councilmember Rachel James read the Juneteenth proclamation and resident Christen Craig accepted it and spoke about her family history and the day’s significance for descendants of enslaved people.
The Council also proclaimed July 2026 as Park and Recreation Month; Parks and Recreation Director John Stutzman accepted the proclamation and thanked the Council. City Manager Aaron Chirpich noted the City is developing a 10-year Parks and Recreation system plan and invited public feedback via the City website and Facebook page. The proclamations were presented during the meeting's presentations and were ceremonial in nature, with no binding policy action recorded.
